Pyrgos

Pyrgos (or Pirgaki), 48 km away from Kalamata, is built on a hill – a natural observatory at an altitude of 360m, on the road that leads from the coastal Stoupa to other villages on the slope of Taygetos. Thanks to its panoramic view it is called “the balcony of Mani “.

The modern history begins in the 15th century, when the family Manolitsis, coming from Istanbul after the conquest, built in the current location of Paleopyrgos, the first tower (“pyrgos”), from which the village took its name.

During the Ottoman rule, because of its strategic position, Pyrgos took the role of observatory of captains that lived in the region.

The village, with its old picturesque houses and courtyards, is famous today not only for the magnificent view, but also the number of notable late Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, classified as historical preservable monuments. The most remarkable church of Pyrgos, with paintings, column and imposing bell tower is dedicated to Saint Georgios and is built in a unique position with breathtaking view.

Most churches in Pyrgos, such as Saint Stratigas, Saint Spyridon, Assumption (Panagitsa), Virgin Mary, with frescoes and old Gothic bell tower and Prophet Elias in the heart of the village, are small, almost like homes and are not easily distinguished externally.

In Pyrgos there is a factory for organic products and it produces olive oil of excellent quality, olives and capers.